THROUGH 2020, the proportion of adults doing any work from home increased to 37% on average, from just 27% nine months previously.
Of course, this existing trend was exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, but there’s no doubt that employers are beginning to reimagine the typical workplace and how their staff members operate.
With this in mind, does your business still need to invest in either permanent or flexible office space in the modern age? Here are some reasons why maintaining an office space may remain a good option in 2022.
#1. The Popularity of Hybrid Working
The popularity of remote working has arguably been misunderstood by some employers, with the majority of workers actually expressing a preference to spend at least some time in the office.
More specifically, a study released in February found that more than half (57%) of employees would prefer a hybrid model, through which they could split their time between the office and home working.
This requires you to create a flexible working directive and maintain open office space, although it may be more cost-effective to downsize and invest in flexible co-working spaces that offer better value for money.
Regardless, you may need to invest some capital in creating the perfect hybrid workspace, so it’s important to keep this in mind from the outset.
#2. There are Fewer Distractions
While it’s true to say that the typical office is fraught with a number of social and logistical distractions, working from home may also have a detrimental impact on output and productivity.
The reason for this is simple: your home is a place where you may have access to multiple TVs and game consoles, along with accessories such as a comfy sofa or various spaces where you can relax and take a break from the office.
Some employees may be more likely to be distracted when working in their home office, so it’s important to provide them with a centralised and accessible space in which they can work and optimise their productivity on a daily basis.
#3. The Notion of Credibility
Whether you consider their visual design or unique layout, office spaces often reflect a company’s brand identity and their core values.
What’s more, they create a comfortable space in which you and your employees can host clients, while creating a broader sense of credibility and professionalism in the minds of existing and potential customers.
This is particularly important in some fields (such as financial services), where trust and first impressions are crucial if you’re to successfully secure and retain business.
#4. Foster a Positive Company Culture
On a final note, the cultivation of an internally branded and ergonomic office space can help to foster a positive and desired company culture within the business.
The layout is particularly important in this regard, as it must create space for collaboration, dedicated team events and company breakfasts or lunches (as and when required).
Certainly, creating social spaces that foster interactivity is key, especially if you want to create a workspace where people actually want to attend and do their best on behalf of the brand!
